Not too long ago, I was barely scraping through Module 4 Biology Questions, feeling lost in a maze of ecosystems I thought I’d never understand 🍃
Fast-forward to my final preliminary exams: I scored a Band 6, and this module carried me
Now, after 5 years tutoring and teaching Biology, I’ve put together 20 of the most effective practice questions to help you master Ecosystem Dynamics — the same ones I use with my top-performing students.
Each question comes with expert tips and a difficulty rating to help you level up, step by step 🌟
Let’s get started 👇
How Our Biology Module 4 Practice Questions Work
Population Dynamics
Past Ecosystems
Future Ecosystems
Worked Solutions
How Our Biology Module 4 Practice Questions Work
Master the module now with our experienced HSC Biology Tutors who can support your studies at our Campuses in Hornsby, Chatswood or the Hills, at your home or online!
This compilation of Module 4 Biology Questions will include:
- Difficulty ratings for each question
- Bands 2-3: ⭐
- Bands 4-5: ⭐⭐
- Band 6: ⭐⭐⭐
- Band 6 Challenge: ⭐⭐⭐ 🔥
- The relevant syllabus dot point (so you can do some content-specific revision or practice)
- A ‘hints’ section, complete with a checklist to support you in answering the questions
- Full worked solutions
(And of course, be sure to read the full thing because these are packed with insider tips and tricks to acing the questions)
Learn more about the content of Module 4 with our ultimate guide to Module 4 Biology!
Population Dynamics
Inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
Question 1 ⭐️
Which option best describes the difference between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem? (1 mark)
a) Abiotic factors include plants and animals, while biotic factors include temperature and sunlight.
b) Biotic factors are non-living parts of the environment, while abiotic factors are living organisms.
c) Abiotic factors are non-living components like temperature and water, while biotic factors involve living organisms like plants and animals.
d) Biotic and abiotic factors both refer only to the physical features of the environment.
Question 2 ⭐️
Which type of ecological interaction benefits both species involved? (2 marks)
Question 3 ⭐️⭐️
Explain how competition between species can decrease and increase species’ abundance. (3 marks)
Question 4 ⭐️⭐️
Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using quadrats to measure abundance in an ecosystem. (3 marks)
Question 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Use the following data to calculate the average population density of a plant species over 4 quadrats: 3, 5, 4, 6. (2 marks)
Question 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Discuss the extinction of an animal and explain how it demonstrates the impact of environmental pressures. (4 marks)
Question 7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
Design an investigation to test the effect of salinity on the distribution of a plant species. (6 marks)
Past Ecosystems
Inquiry question: How do selection pressures within an ecosystem influence evolutionary change?
Question 8 ⭐️
Which of the following provides the best evidence for past evolutionary change? (1 mark)
a) The similarities in feeding behaviours between species
b) The fossil record showing transitional forms
c) The presence of predators and prey in ecosystems
d) The adaptations of organisms to different climates
Question 9 ⭐️
A fossil contains 25% of its original radioactive isotope. If the half-life of the isotope is 5730 years, estimate the age of the fossil. (1 mark)
a) 5730 years
b) 8500 years
c) 11,460 years
d) 22,920 years
Question 10 ⭐️⭐️
Explain how natural selection can lead to the formation of a new species. (3 marks)
Question 11 ⭐️⭐️
Describe the evidence from comparative anatomy that supports evolution. (3 marks)
Question 12 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Explain how fossil evidence supports Darwin’s theory of evolution. (4 marks)
Question 13 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Describe the effect of genetic drift on small populations. (4 marks)
Question 14 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
Design an investigation to test how camouflage affects predation. (6 marks)
Future Ecosystems
Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
Question 15 ⭐️
Which human activity causes the greatest destruction of natural habitats? (1 mark)
Question 16 ⭐️
Define biodiversity and explain its role in ecosystem stability. (2 marks)
Question 17 ⭐️⭐️
Explain how an introduced species like the cane toad can negatively affect an ecosystem. (2 marks)
Question 18 ⭐️⭐️
Describe two effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. (3 marks)
Question 19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Evaluate one conservation strategy used to protect biodiversity. (4 marks)
Question 20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
Analyse the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity. (6 marks)
Worked Solutions
And you’ve made it to the end of our HSC Biology Module 4 practice questions!
You’ve covered key content, practised high-level responses, and learned how to avoid common mistakes.
Keep reviewing, staying confident and walk into that exam knowing you’ve done the work -You’ve got this! 💪🌿
Want to know the tips and strategies needed to achieve a Band 6 in HSC Biology?
On the hunt for other Preliminary Biology practice questions and worked solutions?
Check out some other practice questions below:
- Practice Questions for Year 11 Biology Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life
- Practice Questions for Year 11 Biology Module 2: Organisation of Living Things
- Practice Questions for Year 11 Biology Module 3: Biological Diversity
Need some extra help with Ecosystem Dynamics?
We have an incredible team of HSC Biology tutors and mentors who are HSC syllabus experts!
We can help you master HSC Biology and ace your upcoming HSC assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state-of-the-art campuses in Chatswood, Hornsby or the Hills!
We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 10 years, and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational HSC Biology tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!
Kat Jankiewicz is an expert HSC Biology Class Teacher and Tutor at Art of Smart Education, with over 3 years of experience. She completed her HSC in 2020, scoring a Band 6 in Biology. She is now passionate about helping her own students excel in this subject, and her enthusiasm for the sciences led her to pursue a double degree in Science and French at the University of Sydney.
